Comparative Prognostic Value of Glomerular Filtration Rate, Serum Cystatin C, Beta-2-Microglobulin and Albuminuria for Death and Chronic Kidney Disease Progression.

Aims: Serum creatinine and albuminuria are the core of most CKD prediction and progression risk models. Several biomarkers have been introduced to improve these results such as beta-2-microglobulin (B2M) and cystatin C (CysC). Nevertheless, few clinical comparisons of these biomarkers are available.

CloudSEN12+: The largest dataset of expert-labeled pixels for cloud and cloud shadow detection in Sentinel-2.

Detecting and screening clouds is the first step in most optical remote sensing analyses. Cloud formation is diverse, presenting many shapes, thicknesses, and altitudes. This variety poses a significant challenge to the development of effective cloud detection algorithms, as most datasets lack an unbiased representation.

Prognostic Value of Isolated High Serum Cystatin C Levels Without Glomerular Filtration Rate Reduction.

Objectives: Cystatin C is increasingly used as a marker of renal function as a complement to serum creatinine and glomerular filtration rate (GFR). We have assessed its efficacy as a predictor of mortality in a group of patients with increased cystatin C but GFR> 60mL/min.

Design And Methods: We included 608 patients, 65.

Effect of kinesio-taping on the acute phase of the post-operative reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament: A randomized controlled trial.

Objectives: Evaluate the Kinesio taping (KT) effects on reducing pain and edema on postoperative (PO) after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

Design: Controlled and randomized clinical study.

Settings: Individuals of both sexes, aged 18-45, underwent ACL reconstruction were randomized into intervention (IG; n = 19) and control (CG; n = 19) groups.

Antiretroviral Treatment and Antihypertensive Therapy.

The presence of hypertension among the population with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has become a new threat to the health and well-being of people living with this disease, in particular, among those who received antiretroviral therapy. The estimated prevalence of high blood pressure in HIV-infected patients is significantly higher than the rate observed in HIV-uninfected subjects. The approach to the HIV-positive patient requires the assessment of individual cardiovascular risk and its consideration when designing the individualized target.

Mechanical properties of additively manufactured variable lattice structures of Ti6Al4V.

Engineered micro- and macro-structures via additive manufacturing (AM) or 3D-Printing can create structurally varying properties in part, which is difficult via traditional manufacturing methods. Herein we have utilized powder bed fusion-based selective laser melting (SLM) to fabricate variable lattice structures of Ti6Al4V with uniquely designed unit cell configurations to alter the mechanical performance. Five different configurations were designed based on two natural crystal structures - hexagonal closed packed (HCP) and body-centered cubic (BCC).

When All Else Fails: A Rare Case of Postoperative Toxic Shock Syndrome Arising from Surgical Site Infection after Decompressive Neurectomy Successfully Treated with Angiotensin-2.

Toxic shock syndrome is a serious complication of or infections associated with very high morbidity and mortality. Postoperative toxic shock syndrome is an extremely rare phenomenon which manifests as fevers, diffuse rash, septic shock, and death. We present the first reported case of toxic shock syndrome associated with a surgical site infection from a decompressive neurectomy for refractory migraines in a 41-year-old female as well as the first use of angiotensin-2 vasopressor therapy to treat persistent septic shock from toxic shock syndrome refractory to conventional therapies.

Alpha-1-microglobulin: Prognostic value in chronic kidney disease.

Objectives: α1-microglobulin (α1M) is a tubular protein used for detecting acute lesions of proximal tubules. This study evaluated the use of urine α1M excretion as a marker of chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression and life survival.

Design And Methods: In all 163 patients were recruited (90 men), mean age 61.

Sacubitril-Valsartan Improves Anemia of Cardiorenal Syndrome (CRS).

Background And Aims: Anemia is a common complication of heart failure and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Sacubitril-valsartan is a novel therapy for the treatment of chronic Heart Failure with a reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF). We have evaluated the short-term effects of sacubitril- valsartan on the anemia of CRS.

Airway Pressure Release Ventilation: A Review of the Evidence, Theoretical Benefits, and Alternative Titration Strategies.

Objective: To review the theoretical benefits of airway pressure release ventilation (APRV), summarize the evidence for its use in clinical practice, and discuss different titration strategies.

Data Source: Published randomized controlled trials in humans, observational human studies, animal studies, review articles, ventilator textbooks, and editorials.

Data Summary: Airway pressure release ventilation optimizes alveolar recruitment, reduces airway pressures, allows for spontaneous breathing, and offers many hemodynamic benefits.

Successful correction of metabolic acidosis is difficult to achieve in chronic kidney disease.

Introduction: Metabolic acidosis (MA) is a common complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is associated with numerous adverse effects, which is why its correction is highly recommended. Oral sodium bicarbonate is the current treatment of choice.

Objectives: To describe the prevalence of MA in advanced CKD patients and to determine the clinical and biochemical characteristics associated with its successful correction.

Renal potassium handling in chronic kidney disease: Differences between patients with or wihtout hyperkalemia.

Introduction: Hyperkalemia (HK) is a common electrolyte disorder in chronic kidney disease (CKD), mainly in the advanced stages. A positive potassium balance due to reduced renal excretory capacity is likely the main pathogenic mechanism of HK. Research into the relative role of each pathogenic element in the development of HK in CKD may help to implement more suitable therapies.

Detrimental effect of renin-angiotensin blockade on progression of chronic kidney disease at later stages: A matter of dosage adjustment?

Introduction: The renoprotective effect of renin-angiotensin (RAS) blockers (angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers) has been questioned in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD). Moreover, combination therapy (dual RAS blockade) can further accelerate renal function decline in some populations at risk. However, it is unknown whether this adverse outcome is due to a dose-dependent effect or if it can be attributed more specifically to a drug interaction.

Association of hyperkalemia with clinical outcomes in advanced chronic kidney disease.

Introduction: Patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at greatest risk of hyperkalemia (HK). The relationship between HK and negative outcomes (mortality or progression of renal insufficiency) in non-dialysis dependent CKD patients is controversial.

Aims: To determine the incidence, prevalence, and factors related with HK in a cohort of CKD patients, and its relationship with mortality, hospitalization rate, CKD progression, and dialysis initiation.

Adverse Childhood Experiences among a Community of Resilient Centenarians and Seniors: Implications for a Chronic Disease Prevention Framework.

Context: Research has linked adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) with chronic disease in adults and diminished life span. Adverse biological embedding of ACEs potentially occurs through inflammatory mechanisms; inflammatory marker alterations are identified as candidate biomarkers for mediating health consequences. Lifestyle practices of residents of California's Loma Linda Blue Zone, one of five worldwide longevity hotspots, may provide insight into inflammation remediation and chronic disease prevention.

Epithelial rests of Malassez: from latent cells to active participation in orthodontic movement.

Introduction:: The epithelial rests of Malassez (ERM) represent a group of cells in the periodontal ligament classically consisting of latent or quiescent structures associated with pathological processes. However, recent evidence shows that these structures cannot be considered only as cellular debris. The ERM is a major tissue structure, with functions in maintaining the homeostasis of periodontal tissue, including the maintenance of orthodontic movement.

Strategic Partnerships for Change in an Environmental Justice Community: The ENRRICH Study.

Background: San Bernardino, California, is home to the San Bernardino Railyard (SBR), a major commerce hub with high associated air-pollution, identified as an environmental justice (EJ) issue by local community and air quality agencies. Alarmingly, one elementary school is located only a few hundred yards from SBR.

Methods: The school, university researchers, and a local community-based organization (CBO) established a partnership to assess potential adverse health impacts in the children and develop interventions and mitigation plans.

Results of transanal endorrectal descent in Hirschprung's disease.

Objective: To present our experience of patients with Hirschsprung disease (HD) operated by transanal endorrectal descent (TED).

Methods: A retrospective study performed of TEDs. We correlate fundamentally the aganglionic segment length with: Complications, need for colostomy and surgical approach.

Experiences of a rail yard community: life is hard.

Community groups and local air pollution control agencies have identified the San Bernardino Railyard (SBR) as a significant public health and environmental justice issue. In response, the authors conducted a comprehensive study with community members living in close proximity to the rail yard. The purpose of this article is to share the community's perceptions about the rail yard and ideas on sustainable change.

Making human subject protection training community responsive: experiences delivering on the community-based participatory research promise.

Background: A community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach was used by the California-based Environmental Railyard Research (ENRRICH) Study, a partnership between scientists from Loma Linda University (LLU) and a local community organization, with the aim of assessing the health effects of exposure to emissions from a rail yard on a community.

Methods/results: To allow meaningful community participation in all study activities and comply with institutional review board (IRB) requirements, all participants involved needed to be properly trained and certified in the ethical conduct of human subjects (HS) research. Existing IRB training materials and the conventional certification methods designed for university scientists are not well-suited for community members who often face educational as well as language barriers.

[Esophageal impaction of button batteries in childhood. How to avoid tragedy!].

Introduction: Ingestion of button batteries (PB) represents less than 2% of all foreign bodies, but its incidence is increasing. Esophageal impaction produces severe damages, which can be devastating. Our aim is to present 3 new cases and the therapeutic protocol followed in our center.